LETTER: Medicaid reforms

Published: Monday, November 19, 2012 at 5:07 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, November 19, 2012 at 5:08 p.m.

Two years ago, I and my son moved to Alabama for a better quality of life. One of our considerations was health care.

My first stop was the Department of Aging for Medicare insurance. I didn’t like my choices, but I signed on with a major insurer in this state.

My worst fear came to fruition one year later. My zero insurance premium went to $180 and then to $300. Take it or find another Medicare insurer. I found that insurer with a $0 premium and excellent customer service.

My son, on unemployment compensation at the time of moving to Alabama, has not been so lucky. He has a pre-existing condition.

According to local health practitioners, he is a male over 18, single and is not covered by Medicaid. He has to apply for charity at UAB to receive medical care, if he is approved. With no money for gas, it falls on me to pay for this medical cost. I was told to purchase, through the government exchange health, insurance at $217 a month. Once again, I would have to pay this premium.

Want to reform Medicaid? I and many people I have talked with suggest the following:

1. Stop subsidizing irresponsible adults who have children they cannot afford.

2. Responsible adults who have lost their unemployment compensation benefits should be picked up by Medicaid.

3. Adults and children who are overweight or obese should be required to enroll in lifestyle change programs to lose the weight, or lose their benefits.

President Barack Obama has acknowledged that the health care act needs “tweaking.” I consider myself to be learned and educated.

I, and many others in the state, would appreciate your point-by-point reflection of the Affordable Health Care Act mailed to every resident in the state of Alabama.

I would also like it written in understandable plain English and not “legalese.”

Too expensive to mail? Have it printed and available at county health departments and the Department of Aging.

<p>Gov. Robert Bentley:</p><p>Two years ago, I and my son moved to Alabama for a better quality of life. One of our considerations was health care.</p><p>My first stop was the Department of Aging for Medicare insurance. I didn't like my choices, but I signed on with a major insurer in this state.</p><p>My worst fear came to fruition one year later. My zero insurance premium went to $180 and then to $300. Take it or find another Medicare insurer. I found that insurer with a $0 premium and excellent customer service. </p><p>My son, on unemployment compensation at the time of moving to Alabama, has not been so lucky. He has a pre-existing condition.</p><p>According to local health practitioners, he is a male over 18, single and is not covered by Medicaid. He has to apply for charity at UAB to receive medical care, if he is approved. With no money for gas, it falls on me to pay for this medical cost. I was told to purchase, through the government exchange health, insurance at $217 a month. Once again, I would have to pay this premium.</p><p>Want to reform Medicaid? I and many people I have talked with suggest the following: </p><p>1. Stop subsidizing irresponsible adults who have children they cannot afford.</p><p>2. Responsible adults who have lost their unemployment compensation benefits should be picked up by Medicaid.</p><p>3. Adults and children who are overweight or obese should be required to enroll in lifestyle change programs to lose the weight, or lose their benefits.</p><p>President Barack Obama has acknowledged that the health care act needs “tweaking.” I consider myself to be learned and educated. </p><p>I, and many others in the state, would appreciate your point-by-point reflection of the Affordable Health Care Act mailed to every resident in the state of Alabama. </p><p>I would also like it written in understandable plain English and not “legalese.” </p><p>Too expensive to mail? Have it printed and available at county health departments and the Department of Aging.</p><p>Joann Markey</p><p>Gadsden</p>